What a week it’s been! I almost let my 5 year milestone slip by unannounced, but then I would have missed out on so much fun, sharing it with friends and reflecting on the relationships that have resulted. Today’s guests include artists, magazine editors, writers, bloggers and shop owners. All of them wearing multiple hats.
I was touched beyond measure when my wonderful, long time blog (and real life) friend, Patricia van Essche, aka PvE, illustrated her vision of what my shop would look like, should I ever take the plunge! She incorporated elements of my home, the pink tulips (of course), a little animal print, a bar cart loaded with champagne and pink petals leading the way. A dream of a shop!!! I think it’s so fun seeing what others envision for you. I might keep my eyes open for the perfect storefront!
Patricia also shared this perfect-in-pink table setting, from The Pink Pagoda, that she could imagine for my “party”. I might just have to copy this one!
Patricia came into my life, unexpectedly, when she illustrated my home which had been featured on the blog of my next two guests.
It was complete serendipity. This illustration hangs by my desk so that I see it every day. It also marked a moment that drew me into the world of blogs. So, you could say, Patricia is a huge part of why I jumped into this world. Thank you, my dear friend!
Next up is a pretty pink tea party setting by my long time friends, muses and now authors, Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar. These are the kind of friends that you say, “I knew them when….” They have been an overnight success in the making for as long as I’ve known them. They compliment one another perfectly and their talent is only dwarfed by the size and generosity of their hearts.
Some people come into you life and you know it was just meant to be. That’s the case with Sue De Chiara, known broadly as The Zhush! Sue and I were introduced shortly after we started our blogs by mutual friends. Sue and I have attended blog conferences, cocktail parties, Blogshop and numerous other blog related events. She taught me why and how to use Twitter and Instagram and I remember when she first had the idea for her online shop. Along the way, I gained an amazing real life friend, who I would enjoy whether we were talking about parenting, art or vacations.
These are the tulips Sue picked up for the occasion! Love the pink combined with the blue and white!
So, there you have it. Why blogging has been so much fun and so rewarding. I’ve learned it’s not about the number of comments, the number of followers or your google analytics. Sure, those things are a nice window into how you are translating into a broader audience, but it has been the relationships and friendships that I look back on and appreciate the most.
There are many others….and I hope you all know who you are…that have enriched my life and welcomed me into this ever-changing worlds of blogs. I have no idea what the next 5 years holds….but for now, I’m savoring the moment and excited about what the future might hold.
Thank you to every one of you who has stopped by regularly or just now and then. I know you’re out there and I appreciate it more than you’ll ever now!
And, that my friends, is a wrap! What does your weekend hold?
We've loved being a part of your party and I think you need to open a shop immediately. The storefront that Patricia envisioned is stunning and looks just like you! Happy weekend~
I agree, you need to open a storefront! You are so very talented and have wonderful style.
The painting(s) of your store and house by Patricia are fabulous. She is so talented! I love to see what she comes up with.
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!
Elizabeth,
You made me cry. My mascara is running down, not looking so pretty. Do you know how much you inspire and how fortunate we are to have you sharing such grace and style for the past five year? Do you?
Golly gosh, you really are incredible and if you do open that shop, I'' be your first customer.
LOVE and CHEERS to you PPT!
pve
Like PVE, I'm starting my morning with a good, happy cry. Elizabeth, you make the world a better place (much more gracious and style-y, too) and I know that what you've started here with your blog is just the beginning of what you will do with the Petty Pink Tulips empire. Patricia's store front looks absolutely perfect. Whatever you decided to do, I know it will be beyond lovely. Here's to you, here's to blog friends (and just plain friends) and the amazing journey we've been on together. Cannot wait to see you in May – and in Seattle, too! Happiest of weekends and happy anniversary! XOXO
Elizabeth you are one of the bloggers I have known from nearly the beginning of my own and always bring us such chic and stylish panache. Of course a shop would be perfect for you!! We are so fortunate to have met so many wonderful women in our blog travels!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Congrats on five years of blogging! I am a loyal reader, and enjoy your posts every MWF! I don't yet own a home or garden, but it's fun to dream…thank you!
I agree with designchic 100%! And I loved reading this and reminiscing on why I even started blogging in the first place! The friends I have made through blogging are priceless! I would love to grow a blog as large as yours and wish I had attended conferences, etc…You have always been such a professional! So happy for you on your 5 year mark! Can't wait to see what else will happen for you!
Happy 5th blog birthday, Elizabeth! I, too have enjoyed reading your work for these last few years and have come away with many new delights thanks to your recommendations – thank you. You may also remember that I was the lucky winner of a prize from The Printery, which in this small electronic world that we all live in is just minutes from my house.
Warm regards,
Colleen
Congrats Elizabeth!! So sorry I couldn't seem to get my act together to share some tulip love but thinking of you on this milestone anniversary. Congrats on 5 years of beauty and fun and I second (or third) everyone who loves Patricia's beautiful idea of a storefront for you!!